Heading out into the great unknown? More and more these days, it can be hard to predict what clothes would be the best for time spent outside, with weather often being unpredictable and sometimes extreme.
Hot, cold, wet, windy, humid – all call for slightly different gear, even if you’re not doing anything extreme… so how can you ensure that you’re dressed both comfortably and stylishly whenever you leave the comforts of home? Let’s figure that out.
Think About the Situation
This is always going to be your starting point: what are you likely to be doing? If you’re playing any kind of sport, or heading out on the water, your clothes are going to need to reflect that.
Say, for instance, you’re going to be out sailing for a few hours; you’ll want clothes you can move around in easily, but you’ll also want gear that stands up well to wind and spray, keeping you warm, since it’s often much colder out on the water than it is inland.
Consider what other people in that space might wear, and use professionals as particularly good models, as their clothes are likely to be well-suited to long stretches in the given environment.
For instance, a lifeguard will likely wear lightweight clothes that they can both run and swim in very easily. That might be swimwear in some circumstances, but will often be t-shirts (or long-sleeved shirts to prevent sunburn) and shorts.
To get a better idea, you can look at this Trent Maxwell bio which shows a few different outfits, demonstrating what is likely to work well if you’re going to be in and out of the water. It’s also wise to pick clothes that will dry quickly if they get wet.
Spend a bit of time weighing up the different elements you’re likely to be dealing with, including things like:
The situation will often make a big difference to what you pick – but below, you’ll also find some tips on how to dress well for a whole range of situations.
Tip 1: Layer Up
Layers are your friend when you aren’t sure what kind of weather you’ll be facing. Sound like a lot of work? It’s not! Layering systems are pretty easy to get to grips with, and once you’ve got into the habit of slipping on a few layers, you’ll soon see how versatile they are. Too hot?
Whip one (or a few) layers off and boom, nice and cool. Evening chill creeping in? Simply pop something back on. With how contrary weather can be these days, you will not be sorry to have this approach in your back pocket!
And if you’re going to be outside for an extended period, the base layer deserves your special focus. A good base layer pulls any sweat away and helps it dry – ultimately keeping you warmer and more comfortable.
How many layers is too many? Well, it honestly depends on season, location, and even activity levels, but have a few reasonably lightweight options so you can go up or down in warmth accordingly. This makes your outfit so much more flexible than a t-shirt and a heavy jacket!
Tip 2: Comfy Footwear
No matter what you’re going to be doing outdoors, think hard about the footwear you choose, and go for comfort over style, no matter how good you think your new boots or pumps look. You’ll be so much happier with yourself when your feet are comfortable, especially if you end up having to walk further than expected.
Of course, comfortable footwear does mean different things in different situations – so remember to apply the first rule of assessing what you’re doing here.
Hiking boots wouldn’t do you much good on a beach; sandals aren’t ideal for a stroll through fields. Be kind to your feet and invest in footwear that fits well and suits the activity. After all, they’re supporting you all day!
Tip 3: Keep a Scarf Handy
Not a scarf fan? We’re here to change your mind. Scarves are amazing – multipurpose and potentially gorgeous to look at. Go for a bright jewel color to make your clothes pop, or opt for something more muted if you want a softer, more neutral look.
And onto the practical side, wearing a scarf can make a surprising difference to how cozy you feel if the weather is nippy. It helps to seal in the warmth held by a jacket, rather than having it escape through the neck, and it can be pulled up around your ears, nose, and chin if you’re really cold.
They aren’t just winter accessories, though! A light, summery scarf can help to protect your skin from the sun, and can even be used to create a sunshade in a pinch. Wrapping one around bare shoulders also adds another layering option, a light additional bubble to keep off an evening chill if you’re outdoors for longer than expected.
The flexibility of scarves makes them ideal for stylish and generalized outdoor clothing options. And the really good news? They aren’t problematic to carry, and you can always tie one around your waist if it does end up getting in your way. Win-win.
